CHENNAI: In a joint operation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Counter Intelligence Cell sleuths of Telangana and a CID special investigation division team on Monday apprehended four terror suspects inspired by al-Qaida from hideouts in Chennai and Madurai who had planned to target at least 22 VVIPs including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Police said the three allegedly planned to attack 22 top leaders of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They were allegedly involved in threatening embassies of various countries in India, they said.

Explosive materials were also seized from them. Police said NIA raided several places on specific information that suspected Al-Qaeda activists were operating from South Tamil Nadu in and around Madurai.

“Explosive materials and arms have been seized from them,” police said, declining to elaborate.

The trio was allegedly running the Al-Qaeda unit in South Tamil Nadu. They were also allegedly involved in the explosions that took place in various courts in the country over a period of time, police added.